Help for the Homeowner

Why is a permit required?

There are many important reasons to obtain the required building permit(s) and to obtain the required inspections for your construction project.

Helps protect your property value. Your home is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City of Battle Ground, the value of your investment could be reduced.

Saves money. Property insurers may not cover work or damages caused by work done without permits and inspections.

Makes selling property easier. When property is sold through a multiple listing association, the owner is required to disclose any improvements or repairs made and if permits and inspections were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a purchase without proof of a final inspection. If you decide to sell your home that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.

Improves safety. Your permit allows the code official to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction to provide for public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, and your friends or future owner. Mandatory inspections complement the contractor’s experience and act as a system of checks and balances resulting in a safer project.

It’s the Law. Work requiring permits are made such by City Ordinance. Work without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies.

When is a permit required?

A building permit is generally required when changes or alterations are made to a residential building or when any new construction is undertaken. Mechanical and plumbing work also require permits and inspections. Electrical permits are obtained at Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Examples of when a permits is required:

New construction of a single-family dwelling

New construction of a duplex or accessory dwelling unit

Additions, alterations and remodels to existing structures

Adding a garage, carport, deck over 30” in height or a covered patio

Adding or removing wall(s)

Converting basement, attic or garage into living space

Changing the footprint of an existing structure in any way

Adding a second story

Reroofing/siding

Window replacement

Sheds over 200 square feet

Fence over 42”

Lawn sprinklers

Water heaters, toilets, and sinks

Retaining walls over 4” in height or subject to surcharge

A/C units, furnace, or ductwork

Woodstove or pellet stove

Grading (moving or disturbing) earth over 50 cubic yards

Examples of when a permit is not required:

Fences less than 42” in height

Decks less than 30” in height

Sheds 200 square feet or less

Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work

Patio and concrete slabs on the ground

What do you need to apply for a permit?

Completed and signed application (property owner signature is required)

What are setbacks?

Property setbacks are ordinances established by Battle Ground Municipal Code that outline where construction or modifications can occur. Mainly a distance from property line to a structure. Setbacks are established to preserve open space and building separation in development and are required to be met prior to building permit issuance. Setbacks are verified via plot plan submittal/review.

When your application is considered ‘counter complete’, the permit is created in the permit system, and plan check fees are paid, your permit status is changed to ‘In Review’ and assigned to review staff.

2. Plan ReviewDepending on your proposed project, plans will be reviewed by various disciplines. Types of reviews include planning and zoning, structural/building and fire and possible engineering. The assigned reviewers check to see that your proposal is in compliance with the specific code or regulations. If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified corrections, they will request information from you in written form of a comment letter via email or mail (see step 2a).

2a. Comment LetterA comment letter is sent when a reviewer needs additional information or a correction needs to be made to the plans. Once a comment letter is sent, the reviewer takes no further action until you provide a response to the comment letter.

2b. Revise PlansOnce you have received a comment letter and have gathered all of the additional information and/or made the requested corrections, bring the information to the permit center. Complete and timely responses will speed up the re-review of the project.

If the revisions are complete, the reviewer will sign off and the project will move on in the process (see step 3). If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified additional corrections, they will request this information from you in writing in another comment letter (return to steps 2a and 2b).

3. Plans Approved, Permit IssuedWhen all required reviews are approved, your permit will be in pre-issue status and you will be notified your final permit fee total and that your permit is ready to pick up.

4. InspectionsWhen you pick up your permit, you will receive an inspection card listing all of the inspections you will need during construction. Inspections can be scheduled online or by calling (360) 342-5085. When all of your inspections are approved, you will receive a final inspection and your project is complete.

Things to Consider

The permit process differs for each permit type and may vary depending on how complex your project is. These steps are a general guideline to follow when applying for a permit.

Research

The City of Battle Ground administers permits for properties that reside within its limits. Always check the jurisdiction of the property online to determine whether it is located within the City of Battle Ground limits.

Are there any site constraints on your property?

CCR’s and/or neighborhood rules and regulations, (these are regulated by private agreement and not enforced by the City).

Prepare Your Plans

Clearly drawn plans accurately describing all your proposed work will be required

A drawn to scale plot plan may be required

Electrical, Mechanical and/or Plumbing Work

Residential building permits can include trade work such as mechanical and/or plumbing work, (if applicable.) Electrical permits are obtained through Labor and Industries.

When is Structural Engineering Required?

Under the International Residential Code (IRC), when a project does not comply with the prescriptive structural provisions, engineering is required. Under certain conditions based on the site locations, soil conditions, scope of work and the proposed design engineered drawings, details and calculations may be required.